The Newberg-Dundee School Board met on Tuesday, Sept. 12 to learn more about the bond projects, transportation, and math curriculum, and to make decisions about charter fees and science curriculum
Highlights of the Reports, Presentations, and Discussion Items
- Busing: Bobbi Jo Richlick, Bus Manager for the district’s bus provider, First Student, shared that the busing went smoothly at the start of the school year. Richlick noted that there are always challenges, but her capable team was able to adapt quickly to any issues, using a good work ethic, great communication, and new routing software.
- Bond Update: Larry Hampton, the School District’s Operations and Safety Coordinator, said that there are bond projects at nearly every school. Hampton noted that there have been some technical issues, such as with key card readers at some buildings and the announcement system at Newberg High School (NHS). Hampton said that he addressed the key card issue. Technology Department Coordinator Scott Marlin added that he and his team are continuing to update the NHS announcement system.
- Math Adoption: Teaching and Learning Department Director Jillian Felizarta and Coordinator Holly Miele shared an update on the math curriculum adoption process. They assembled a team of leaders from every grade level and school to create a vision for how to instruct students. This vision involved professional development (a type of specialized training) for teachers about the curriculum as well as a plan to implement it and use it effectively over the next seven years. Note: As the Math Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA), Dawn Reed is the one who has been in charge of leading the professional development for that team and is the one attending the monthly Oregon Math Leaders Network meetings with the Math specialists at the Oregon Department of Education.
- Student Reps Sought: The School Board is seeking Student Board Representatives to serve until June 30, 2024. To apply, complete the online form by Friday, Sept. 29. The Board will choose up to three representatives from the applications. Anyone with questions about the application may contact Board Secretary Tabitha Renne at [email protected] or 503-554-5041.
Board Action Items
- Charter Fees: The School Board discussed whether to charge tuition fees for charter school students who attend School District classes. The School District receives funding from the state for enrolled students but not for charter school students. Charter school students are currently allowed to attend for free. The School Board voted 4-2 to postpone the decision to add charter fees to their Oct. 10 meeting.
- Science Curriculum Adoption Postponement: Teaching and Learning Department Director Jillian Felizarta and Coordinator Holly Miele said that it did not make sense to kick off the science curriculum this year without offering professional development to teachers so that they are trained on the instructional practices and have vertical alignment (can connect with teachers across grade levels), Felizarta and Miele explained. Instead, the plan is that the science curriculum will be piloted in the 2024-25 year and officially launched in 2025-26. The Teaching and Learning Department team will assemble a group of leaders to begin creating a vision for the science curriculum in January of 2024, just as they did for the math curriculum. The School Board voted 6-0 to approve the postponement of the science curriculum.
Future Agenda Items
- Superintendent Stephen W. Phillips’s presentation on Division 22: Oct. 10
- Nutrition Services Supervisor Brian Quinn’s presentation: Oct. 10
- Mountain View Middle School Jazz Band’s performance: Oct. 10
- Junior Orchestra of Yamhill County’s (JOY) performance: Nov. 14
- Technology Department Coordinator Scott Marlin’s presentation: Nov. 14